Category Archives: Runway Run

LGA 5K Runway Run Recap

Runway Run, , ,
a man jumping in the air
Pre-Race Jump

Yesterday I got to run in my third Runway Run at LaGuardia Airport. (Prior to the race, I wrote about it here) Besides from a chilly start to the day, the race was a really great event. It was probably my favorite runway run that I’ve participated in to date!

So far I’ve ran in runway runs at JFK Airport (Read about it here and here) and Teterboro Airport (Read about it here. I still need to write a recap about the race!)
Next up is the Chicago O’Hare Runway Run which should be a fun and fast trip.

an airplane parked in a tarmac

A couple of things made the LGA Runway Run stand out:  Continue reading LGA 5K Runway Run Recap →

Chicago O’Hare 5K Runway Run- I’m Going!

5K, Chicago, Milepoint, O'Hare, ORD, Radisson, Runway Run, SkyMiles, United Airlines
a logo with a plane and a road

I’ve already done two 5K runway runs this year and tomorrow my third one is coming up at LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

My brother mentioned the idea of taking a quick trip to Chicago to run in the O’Hare 5K On The Runway about two weeks ago. He saw a post about it on Milepoint (a frequent flier site we are both members of).

Kim and I went to Chicago a few years back and had a great time. We’ve wanted to go back but this will be a quick visit with my brother. (I’ll definitely miss Kim and Lucas while I’m away!)
We leave from New York for Chicago early in the evening on October 18 and head back home in the afternoon on October 20. We’ll have a little over a day and a half in Chicago and plan to make good use of our time!

Trip Planning:
To make this brief trip happen our goal was to keep the trip costs as low as possible. We looked at quite a few options for our flight and hotel. It seemed like we took more time planning the trip than the time we will be away!

  • The Flight: After going back and forth with a variety of options, we ended up booking our flight with Delta using miles. We each used 25K Delta SkyMiles and paid $5 tax to fly JFK-ORD roundtrip.
  • The Hotel: The debate was staying at an airport hotel vs. staying downtown. Each option had it’s pros and cons but due to the 5K starting so early on Saturday morning, the airport won. The decision became even easier thanks to the Radisson 1 for 1 promotion– Stay 1 Night, Get 1 Night. We each booked one night at the Radisson Hotel O’Hare which cost $98. (We found a code which brought the price down from the original price of $135) With the 1 for 1 promotion we will each earn a free night at any Radisson Blu or Radisson hotel in the US, Canada or Caribbean. 

The Runway Run: 
The Chicago Department of Aviation and United Airlines are hosting the O’Hare 5K on the Runway and Community Day.

A little about the runway run (from the race website):

The event will be a one-of-a kind opportunity to experience the runway like few people do and share in a Community Day after the race filled with fun for the whole family, entertainment and food. The course will feature the display of a United Airlines aircraft. The Day s festivities will begin with a brief program to start the race. Following the conclusion of the race, a portion of the course will be open to the community for viewing and photo opportunities in front of the United aircraft.

Some Details:

  • The race benefits Wounded Warrior Project
  • Walk & Photo-op on the Runway
  • Strollers are allowed on the course
  • Free entry to Community Day
  • Entry includes a T-shirt
  • Free parking

The run takes places on October 20 at 8:00am
Find out more and sign up for the O’Hare 5K on the Runway HERE

LaGuardia Airport 5K Runway Run- October 14, 2012

5K, LaGuardia Airport, LGA, Runway Run
a group of people running on a road
In 2012 I had the chance to run in two 5K runway runs so far. In the spring I ran the JFK Runway Run and in the summer I ran in the Teterboro Airport Runway Run. The runway runs have been among my favorite races that I have participated in during the year.
Now that fall is approaching, it’s time for another runway run. On Sunday, October 14 the first ever LaGuardia Airport 5K Runway Run will take place to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
A little about the runway run (from the race website):

For the first time ever, an opportunity to run on LaGuardia Airport’s historic runway and taxiway system. Experience the airport from a pilot’s perspective with the runway pavement beneath your feet. Run the routes used by major airline aircraft arriving and departing the metro region’s favorite airport. Experience aviation where it all starts, at ground level!

I can’t say that LaGuardia Airport is my favorite in the region (or even the city) but I definitely want to run a 5K on the LGA runway!
Some Details:
  • Walkers welcome (no strollers, bikes, skateboards or pets)
  • Entry includes t-shirt and goody bag
  • Food & refreshments after the race
  • Free parking at registration area
  • Awards for top 3 male & female finishers in each age category
  • Number pickup and day of race registration 7-8:30AM
Race Fees: 
  • $20 before 9/21/12
  • $25 after 9/21/12
  • $15 kids under 15 & military
  • Race day registration is $30
 Find out more and register for the LGA 5K Runway Run HERE

Teterboro Airport Runway Run 5K- New Jersey 7/21/12

5K, Airport, New Jersey, NJ, Run, Runway Run, Teterboro Airport
a sign with a white triangle on it
About a year ago I started running as another way to exercise (I’ve been working out for years).  To keep motivated, I’ve been running  5K races a couple of times a month.
One of my favorite 5Ks that I participated in took place on an airport runway-the JFK Runway Run this past April. I had a great time and got to see parts of the airport (I am assuming) that are usually not accessible to the public. There were some great closeup views of planes taking off too!
When I got home from the race I decided to start looking around for similar races close to the New York City area. After doing a bit of research, I came across the Teterboro Airport Runway Run 5K in New Jersey.
This will be the 15th year of the Teterboro 5K and it should draw over 1,000 runners. The race benefits NJ 2-1-1- the United Way’s free service in New Jersey that connects people with social services and community programs. There will also be over $10,000 in random prizes given out. (Maybe some free flights???)
Some race details:
  • The Teterboro Airport 5K takes place on July 21, 2012 
  • Race starts at 8:30AM
  • Nobody will be allowed entry to the airport and race staging area after 7:55AM
  • Registration Fees: $22 by July 16, $25 after July 16 and on race day
  • The race is timed by ChronoTrack D-Tag
  • Registration includes a Teterboro 5K T-Shirt
Find out more about the Teterboro Runway Run and sign up HERE
**Image above: Teterboro Airport page on  panynj.gov

JFK Runway Run Contest Winner

Contest, JFK, Runway Run, Winner
a white shirt with a logo and a bag on it
The Prize

I wrote a post about my experience running a 5K in the JFK Runway Run last week.

I knew that the contest was limited as to who would be interested since I only had a specific size to give away. 
The contest had a couple of entries and I am happy to announce that comment #1 from spe salvi was selected by random.org as the winner!
Congrats to spe salvi! 

Please leave a comment on this post or e-mail me at michaelwtravels@gmail.com  so we can get in touch and I can send you out the prize!

JFK 5K Runway Run Recap and Contest

5K, Runway Run, ,
a man standing under a sign
I had a great time at the JFK Runway Run this past Sunday. (I wrote about the race here)
Getting access to the runway alone was worth entering the race for! However, my legs are still feeling the pain from completing the 5K. Since my son was born in January, I’ve  run about three times (if I am lucky).
a man jumping in the air
On the ride to the airport we had some rain but it soon stopped and ended up being a beautiful day for a race. Over 800 people turned out to run or walk in the event. Many of the participants were representing airlines or were airport employees.
a large crowd of people standing on a road
The race started at a runway next to the the Port Authority Police Academy- Rescue Training Center. There were a couple of airplanes used for training exercises (I am guessing) in the area. One looks like it might be used to do mock rescue missions and the other looked like it may have been set on fire for the fire department to use for practice drills.
a black rocket on a concrete surface
a plane on the tarmac
a man jumping in the air with his arms outstretched
From the starting line of the race the views of planes taking off was pretty incredible. We took some nice pictures and got a few videos too! While running the race I wish that I had a camera with me as the views were even better further down the runway.
a plane flying in the sky
Originally Kim planned to walk & jog while pushing Lucas in his stroller during the race. However, just as the race was about to start, somebody had other plans… Lucas decided that it was time to eat! So Kim had to sit out of the race this year. (She is hoping to be able to actually run next year!) I helped her get settled and started the race about 5 minutes after everybody else. This was a timed race but only the time you end the race was tracked. This was pretty annoying since now my final time was a bit off due to my late start… Oh well, it’s not like I was in it to win it, I was just hoping to finish which I did!
a man and woman with a baby in a stroller
Contest:
For entering the race we each received a very nice T-shirt as well as a bag from TD Bank. By the time we arrived to pickup our registration packet, they were out of shirts in Kim’s size.
Due to this, we have an extra shirt from the race in Size Large.
a white shirt with a logo and a bag on it
Contest Prize- Up for grabs!
I am going to give away the extra JFK Runway Run shirt (size L) and a TD Bank bag to a reader of the blog.
To enter:
  1. Leave a comment on this post (please include an e-mail or check back to find out if you won)   AND
  2. “Like” me on Facebook HERE (I won’t be cross referencing so this is based on the honor system)
The contest is only open to residents of the U.S.
The winner will be selected using a random number generator
.

Contest ends on April 21, 2012

JFK Runway Run 5K Race- April 15, 2012

Runway Run, ,
a group of people running
Running is a relatively new hobby for me that I got into it a little over a year ago. Last year I ran a bunch of races in the 5K range. Since my son Lucas was born, I’ve definitely been slacking.
.
When my good friend Lufthansa Flyer e-mailed me to let me know about a 5K race taking place at JFK Airport, I knew that it would be something that I had to sign up for.
.
TheJFK Runway Run is a unique 5K race. It is the only race in the U.S. held on the runway of a major international airport. The main runway is closed to aircraft landings and takeoffs. You get to run on the longest runway at JFK although only a short portion is used for the 5K.
.
A little about the race:
  • The JFK Runway Run is a major fundraiser of the JFK Rotary Club. Funds raised are used to support various charities. The race receives direct support from the Port Authority of NY & NJ who coordinates all logistics for preparing access to the runway on the day of the race.
  • A 5K is equal to 3.1 miles
  • All participants are registered in a special drawing for round trip airline tickets
The run takes place on April 15 at 9:00AM
Find out more about the JFK Runway Run Here